Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Library Armchair on Porcelain Castors, c. 1900

An Edwardian high-back library armchair in mahogany with satinwood stringing and a burl walnut panel inset to the cresting rail. The shaped pediment top rail steps down to a tall upholstered back, flanked by gently sloping open arms with pierced fretwork splats of interlaced strapwork — a quietly Moorish flourish typical of the Aesthetic-into-Edwardian transition. Boxwood line inlay traces the stiles, arm supports, and tapered front legs, lending the dark mahogany a crisp graphic edge.

The chair stands on square tapered front legs terminating in original brass-cup castors with white porcelain wheels, with outswept sabre rear legs to balance the rake. Upholstered in a striped cream and sage damask with corded gimp trim throughout, the form reads as a gentleman's reading or library chair — tall enough to support the head, generous in the seat, low enough at the arms to take a book or a glass.

CONDITION

Good overall and structurally sturdy. Frame shows scratches, scuffing, and age-appropriate wear to the mahogany and inlay; minor losses to the stringing in places. Upholstery shows light wear and minor staining consistent with use; gimp trim intact. Castors original and functional.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 39" H × 24 1/4" W × 31" D
• Seat: 16" H × 22 1/2" W × 18" D
• Frame: Mahogany with satinwood and boxwood line inlay; burl walnut panel to cresting
• Arm splats: Pierced fretwork
• Castors: Brass cups with white porcelain wheels (original)
• Upholstery: Striped damask in cream and sage with gimp trim